More support for families bereaved by suicide

It is hoped the strategy will improve mental health and reduce the risk of suicide

Supporting families bereaved by suicide is one of the top priorities of a new county-wide suicide prevention strategy.

Gloucestershire County Council's suicide prevention partnership and public health team worked with people affected by suicide and professionals to create the strategy.

Council leaders are expected to approve the strategy at a cabinet meeting later.

Cabinet member for public health and communities Mark Hawthorne said: "Every death by suicide is a tragedy that has lasting impacts on families, friends and wider communities."

The new strategy sets out seven priorities for Gloucestershire, including providing effective crisis support and reducing the risk of high-risk groups.

Men aged 45 to 64, people with a history of self-harm, and those in touch with the criminal justice and mental health services are deemed to be high-risk.

Other priorities include reducing access to the methods and means of suicide, providing information and support to those bereaved by suicide, promoting online safety and responsible media reporting, and supporting research to better understand the picture in Gloucestershire.

According to the Campaign Against Living Miserably, one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

'Reducing stigma'

Mr Hawthorne continued: "No single organisation can prevent suicide alone, and we are committed to working with our partners and communities across the county to improve mental health and reduce the risk of suicide."

World Suicide Prevention Day took place on 10 September, with organisations across the globe uniting to raise awareness of prevention.

This year's theme was "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", which urged people to "start the conversation".

The theme aimed to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.